2020 Merlot
A bold expression of a Bordeaux classic
$35
Retail
$28
About the Wine
The 2020 JUSTIN Merlot shows a serious side of the popular grape variety. In the past, the merlot grape received a reputation as a soft, cushy, easygoing variety, but this wine proves that it can hold its own. Full-bodied with ripe fruit, firm tannins, and a classic Bordeaux-style savory character, this wine is a complex version of merlot that announces to the world that this is a grape variety with serious intentions.
Tasting Notes
Body
Appearance
Bright, with a deep ruby core lightening towards the rim, with lightly stained, moderately thick, tears on the glass.
Aroma
Aromatic with black cherry, boysenberry, and plum fruit with vanilla, new leather, wild sage, cocoa, violet flower and toasted oak.
Palate
Near full-bodied, with ripe huckleberry, fresh mission fig, and juicy black cherry on the entry, leading to a full, rounded midpalate with fresh herbs, button mushroom, leather, cocoa nibs, dried violet, and medium fine tannins. The moderately long finish boasts notes of sustained black fruit, vanilla, toasted oak and baking spices, with a lingering note of dark chocolate.
Key Features
Appellation
Paso Robles
Fermentation
Stainless steel open- and closed-top tanks with UV43 yeast and twice-daily pump-overs
Maturation
Barrel-aged for 19 months in 40% new French oak
Alcohol
15.5%
SUGGESTED FOOD PAIRINGS
Pork Chop
The 2020 JUSTIN Merlot is a balanced wine that's equal parts fruit and savory with smoothly textured tannins. It pairs well with leaner meats like charcoal grilled pork chops with a plum glaze or blackened chicken breast with succotash.
